I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been selected as one of this year’s Small Biz 100!

Each year, the team behind Small Business Saturday choose 100 UK small businesses to support in the run up to what’s generally considered the busiest shopping day in the calendar.

Every day, for 100 days, the team promote one of the 100 on social media and in the local and national press and, for the last five years, the 100 have also attended receptions in Downing Street and at the Treasury Drum with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Showcasing small businesses across the UK

The 100-day campaign isn’t limited to just the chosen 100 though. Among other events, the team also manage a bus tour which travels far and wide, hosting workshops, Q&A sessions and business exhibitions.

This prolonged period of promotional activity is designed to encourage spending with all small, independent firms in the run-up to Christmas, and to counter some of the impact days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday have on consumer spending.

On the day itself, all small businesses across the UK are encouraged to join in the activities and promotions. It works too: In 2016, customers spent £717m on the day, an increase of 15% on the year before. The SBS team say:

“Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.”

Year-round support

This year’s Small Business Saturday takes place on 1st December, but the team continue to support UK small businesses all year round.

This includes a business finder, where you can search for small businesses near you – or anywhere in the UK – to buy whatever you need, from goods to services, online or on the high street. They also offer start-up and business growth advice, and case studies showcasing other small businesses. This year, they’ve also partnered with iDEA, The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award to deliver free, expert online training to small businesses across the UK.

Join me on Wednesday 29th August

So far this year, my feet haven’t touched the ground and there’s no sign of things slowing down yet!

The Small Business Saturday team will be promoting my business on Wednesday 29th August. I’ll be hosting an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Twitter (#UKBidWriter #SmallBiz100) and will be offering a few discounts and freebies over the course of the day, on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and here on my site.

Join me on the 29th or get in touch today to find out how I can help you win more public and private sector contracts for your business.